The Last Judgment
1557
oil
From the collection of Walters Art Museum
1557
oil
From the collection of Walters Art Museum
The Last Judgment is a 1557 oil by Pieter Huys, a Flemish Baroque painting work, held at Walters Art Museum.
This painting depicts a dramatic scene of the Last Judgment, with a central figure of Christ surrounded by angels and demons. The composition is divided into multiple levels, with the heavens above and the underworld below. The colors are muted, with shades of brown and gray dominating the palette. In the foreground, a group of figures is shown being dragged down to hell by demons, while others are being lifted up to heaven by angels. The background is filled with flames and smoke, adding to the sense of chaos and destruction. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The artist's use of impasto adds texture to the painting, giving it a more dynamic feel. To learn more about the technique of glazing, look up the artist Pieter Huys.